Montreal has lost eight of its last ten games leading up to the 4 Nations break, narrowing their chances of making the playoffs. The Canadiens enter the hiatus with a 25-26-5 record and 55 points, six behind the Detroit Red Wings for the second wild-card berth in the Eastern Conference.

Jake Evans is a UFA after this season. Now, with the Four Nations event about to begin, this gives the player and the Montreal Canadiens 13 days of negotiating during this break in the NHL season. According to Pierre LeBrun,

With the NHL Trade Deadline quickly approaching, things don't appear optimistic for the Canadiens and Jake Evans on a new contract.